My Life in 2015

Commissioned artwork collaborated on by Dragonnan

The picture on the left is nostalgia for me. It is a representation of how I feel.

Thank you Dragonnan for creating my vision.

The large dog climbing the hill is my everyday life. I'm sure you and everyone of my authors can relate.

Every ghost written story I sell is money so that I can produce my authors books. My own included.

But, I feel the day is close when I don't have to give away pieces of my soul and hand them to another person to market as theirs.

I get paid well, but I can not honestly recommend selling your work without recognition. Even though I write for others, I have my own stories to tell. My clients love my stories, but I give my all to the ones of interest for me--my own that are not popular or what's on the marketable list this week. But this is neither here nor there.

I do what I do to get my authors stories out there. And it feels exactly like the picture above. There I am climbing up, determined to "make it". Carrying my author puppies with me. All in it together. And I feel like we're almost "there".

But where is "here"?

Currently I am a writer full time and a publisher full time. On some days I'm a writer. Others a publisher. Everyday I'm an author's advocate. I love helping authors. When I see an author down in the dumps, confused or worried I can't help but tell them it's okay. I've been where you've been and here is where you're at, where you're going and what you have to do.

I too can feel a little lost or beaten up going down this path. Do I know this place? Have I been here before?

My path, the author's path, the publisher's path is an uphill climb in which you can not see the top. Scratch that--it's a sheer cliff and we're all repelling. Me and my posse are so bad ass we're doing it free style. Just like the picture.

I think I can see the top, but I'll have to let you know when I get "there". So far the challenge has been difficult, but I know this: those author puppies on my back have kept me going. I love you guys!

What this means? Every author needs a group. People that understand. Writing is a lone sport. Publishing that work is not. If you are trying to publish alone that's where you get in trouble. I'm not talking about running out and getting a publisher, agent or whatever. I'm talking about crit partners, support groups, writer's covens. Even self-published writers had a cover artist, an editor, a marketing expert to talk to. Or at least I hope so. Dear god, I hope so. 

What I gained in 2015 is insight. The knowledge to know we've a long way to go. Troll River Publications was born in October 2012. But December 24th, 2012 was our publishing debut with Luke's Tale. We've achieved 3 years and still going. Want to give an anniversary present? Write a review for one of our authors! Doesn't matter which platform or book. We take payment in four and five stars!

We have a line up of books coming in 2016. There should be one or two releases every month. As a publisher, I'm hoping readers continue to support our authors.

To the TRP authors I want to give my sincere and humble thank you for believing in me, letting me help you reach your goals and letting me carry your books. The commissioned artwork was for you and inspiration of you. Patricia, Elizabeth, Carol, Kris, J.D., Marilyn, Rachel and the new authors to come in 2016 Madeline Iva and the duo C.M.Moore (yes even you) -- Thank you. Let's have a great New Year!